Apply for a General Utility Permit

A General Utility Permit is required for utility work performed within the City of St. Louis public right-of-way or on City-owned property. These permits help ensure utility work is completed safely, complies with City standards, and minimizes impacts to the public, traffic, and surrounding infrastructure.

Examples of work requiring a General Utility Permit include: 

• Utility operations or service connections for electric, gas, water, sewer, steam, and other non-telecommunication utility systems
• Installation, replacement, or removal of utility poles and related utility infrastructure
• Work performed on or around existing utility poles
• Installation, replacement, or repair of underground utility lines, conduit, or duct banks serving non-telecommunication utilities
• Installation, maintenance, or replacement of utility manholes, handholes, vaults, and other utility structures serving non-telecommunication utilities
• Excavation, trenching, directional boring, or jack-and-bore operations within the public right-of-way
• Crossing the public right-of-way from one side to the other for utility installation or maintenance
• Utility relocations associated with public or private projects
• Emergency utility repairs requiring work within the public right-of-way 

Note: Telecommunications and fiber optic infrastructure within the public right-of-way, including communication conduit, duct banks, cables, handholes, vaults, and related facilities, require a Communication Backhaul Permit.

Ordinance 71943 governs this process.

For this permit, you will need the following:

1. Contact information for the project representative.
2. Construction start date.
3. Estimated duration of project.
4. A beginning and ending address.
5. An address for every work location, including:
   • Pole installation, replacement, or removal
   • Work performed on existing poles
   • Excavation or boring locations
   • Handholds, manholes, or vault access
   • Right-of-way crossings
6. An address for each parcel of land including parks, parking lots and vacant lots. Property addresses can be obtained from online maps, utility records, etc., and can be cross-checked using Assessor's Office records.
7. A map of the area with a list of property addresses along with the proposed work to be done. A Google map is preferable but not required.
8. Detailed written work description
   • A second page may be used if additional space is needed.
   • Lengthy work descriptions should be doubled space for easier reading.

Review the Street Department Requirements for Communication and General Utility Applications.

1. Use the Begin Online button to start your application.
2. On the next screen after you submit your information, you will be able to upload your construction plans, site map, and project description.

Begin online

You will receive an e-mail confirmation of the application at the point of contact email you provided. The confirmation e-mail will also include instructions to check the status of your application.

Each application is reviewed by multiple City departments based on the project location, scope of work, and permit type.

If additional information, revisions, or clarification are required, you will receive an email requesting updated information or revised documents.

Once all departmental review comments have been addressed, the application will be scheduled for consideration by the Board of Public Service for final approval.

Following Board approval, the Office of the Secretary will issue the permit on behalf of the Board of Public Service. Permit conditions may apply and will be included with the issued permit.

Construction may begin only after the permit has been issued.

Upon completion of the project, the permit holder must notify the City that construction has been completed.

Emergency Utility Work

Emergency utility work required to restore service, address infrastructure failures, or protect public safety should be reported to the Board of Public Service as soon as practicable.

A General Utility Permit may be required for emergency work performed within the public right-of-way or on City property. Utility providers should coordinate with the City regarding required documentation and permitting procedures.

For information about permits, please contact Michele Knox at knoxm@stlouis-mo.gov, (314) 622-4627.